This is an important visit for several reasons. There are many
differences in the various communities that comprise the "Valley of
the Sun" and it helps to get a familiarity with them, their
"look", their personality, their amenities, etc. and where
they are located in relation to your job.
I go over the role of a Buyer's Agent, and the representation it
entails.
I give each client at this get-together, before we head out (whether
it's a visit to their hotel, or they come to my office), a
spiral-bound street map, which is very helpful in navigating the Valley.
It also gives the buyer a scope of the size of the Valley and where each
community is located.
If the research isn't done beforehand of homes we'll be viewing,
then this is the time to do it together at my computer. Clients can see
for themselves whether or not the criteria they have (or wish to have)
actually is available. If not, we can tweak it to come close!
After we've refined the search, the appointments get made! Very
easy to do. 90% of the homes have lockboxes, and sellers are very
accommodating in the Valley. Most will have lockboxes. We will also be
looking at new homes since builders cooperate with realtors (we sell 70%
of their product). It's important, though, that the realtor be with
the client at the initial visit.
I also go over what it takes to present an offer, such as having a
pre-qualification letter to accompany it, what our contract consists of,
and the other "steps to your Dream House". Even if a buyer is
a seasoned one, having sold multiple properties in the past, if he/she
is coming from another area, terminology and methods may be different
here.
Usually, you will know (and so will I!) what you like and don't
like after just 3 houses. Should that change our research, I have a
notebook with me with a printer, and we can redo the search on the road.
On to our next step!
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